Barnsley vs. QPR

Barnsley v QPR - Preview

Neil Warnock will be looking for a positive reaction on Tuesday night when his Rangers team visit Oakwell to play Barnsley. The R`s were dealt a wake-up call on Saturday when Scunthorpe pulled off the shock of the day with a 4-1 victory over Warnock`s men. The R`s gaffer will be hoping for a much improved performance after a particularly abject second half performance against the Iron.

Barnsley on other hand will be heading into match full of confidence after their 4-2 demolition of Bristol City. Mark Robins has steadied the ship since taking over at Barnsley last season and they now look a decent side at this level. When we played Barnsley on the opening day of this season I was really impressed by them and thought 4-0 flattered us. They made some astute signings in January, Gary O`Connor, Marlon Harewood and Danny Haynes are all dangerous players in the Championship and will pose threats to our defence.

Neil Warnock has some decisions to make ahead of the match. Does he stick with the beleaguered back four of Saturday? Or does he switch things up and restore Kaspars Gorkss and Matthew Connolly to the line up? I could see Gorkss returning but Connolly may have to settle for a place on the bench. If Heider Helguson is fit he should start despite Rob Hulse scoring his first goal since November. Helguson`s movement is far superior and he seems to worry defenders with his aerial ability.

Player to watch: Andy Gray

QPR Team News:

QPR are sweating on the fitness of Adel Taarabt who is still struggling with an abdominal problem. Kaspars Gorkss and Heider Helguson are expected to start in place of Rob Hulse and Dan Shittu.

Jamie Mackie and Peter Ramage are still unavailable for selection.

Possible line up:

Kenny

Orr - Gorkss - Hall - Hill

Faurlin - Derry

Routledge - Ephraim - Smith

Helguson

Player to watch: Shaun Derry

As Shaun Derry didn`t get booked against Scunthorpe, he now avoids a subsequent two match ban as they slate is wiped clean. This is a massive boost for the R`s, because the last thing they need is Shaun Derry out of the last couple of games of the season as his experience leadership will be determining factors to any success we achieve this year. His superb reading of the game assisted by his excellent tackling ability have complimented the more attack-minded players, giving them an added sense of freedom to take risks going forward. Derry is hugely experienced having played for Notts County, Sheffield United, Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest (loan), and Leeds. Derry has notched up 129 appearances during his second spell at Palace and helped guide the Eagles away from relegation following their well documented ten- point deduction.

Match Prediction:

I get the feeling we will be much improved tonight. Going by Warnock`s characteristics it would be most unlike any of his sides to simply fall away at the final straight without a fight. I fully expect Rangers to be pumped up and focused on the job in hand. If Adel Taarabt is starting then I think we will win. On Saturday it showed how much we miss him when he doesn`t play, his unpredictability is such a dangerous asset when Rangers attack, his contribution this season cannot be understated, he is the difference for us.

Barnsley will no doubt prove to be tough opposition, although they aren`t the most consistent team and it is difficult to predict which Barnsley side will turn up. It would be typical of them to come off the back of a very convincing win and underperform against us. That said, I think a draw will be on the cards. Both sides will look to attack responsibly and are both susceptible to the counter attack especially with lack of pace in both defences.

1-1 Smith and Haynes to score.

Next Up

WHO: DERBY COUNTY

WHERE: LOFTUS ROAD

WHEN: 18/04/2011 - 19.45

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